Cap security system

ABSTRACT

The present system generally relates to a tamper resistant cap that prevents unwanted access to a semi-tractor trailer&#39;s 7 ways connection. The system includes a controller that can be operated remotely to transmit signals to an actuator within the cap. The actuator operates a lock to secure the cap in the closed position and selectively unlock the lock to allow the cap to be opened.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Semi-tractor trailers mate with the main cab through a connection cableattached to the main cab that mates with plug on the external front of atractor trailer (e.g. the 7 ways connection). To protect the tractortrailer plug from the elements when disconnected, the plug is covered bya cap. The cap may be lifted so that the trailer may be plugged in.Unfortunately, there is a problem with theft of tractor trailers.Because the connection plugs on tractor trailers are universal, anyonewith a cab can approach a waiting trailer, such as a trailer at a depot,and connect the tractor trailer to their cab to steal the trailer andcargo within. Thus there is a need for a solution that will deter wouldbe thieves from stealing waiting trailers.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM

The present system provides a simple solution that locks the connectionplug on the trailer to prevent unauthorized access to the plug. The capof the plug is fitted with a lock and actuator. A controller is providedin a compartment on the tractor trailer and is connected to theactuator. The controller may be provided with a transceiver, such as toallow for Bluetooth, wi-fi, cellular tower, or other wirelesscommunication. The controller may be activated to cause the actuator tounlock the cap and allow access to the plug. For example, a remotelylocated dispatcher can connect to the trailer controller through aninternet connection. The dispatcher can issue a command to thecontroller to unlock, and the controller will transmit a signal to theactuator to unlock the cap. The dispatcher can likewise issue a commandto lock the cap and the controller will activate the actuator to lockthe cap. Alternatively, a driver may be provided with an application,such as on a mobile device, that allows for communication with thetrailer controller. When in wireless range, such as Bluetooth range, thedriver can use the application to transmit lock/unlock instructions. Theapplication may be connected to a remote server that is likewiseconnected to a dispatcher. The dispatcher can control which trailers thedriver is able to lock and unlock. For example, each trailer controllermay be provided with a unique code. The dispatcher transmits the code tothe driver application. For security, the code may be encrypted so thatthe driver is not able to determine the code. The dispatcher sends thedriver information necessary to identify the relevant tractor trailercorresponding to the unique controller code. The driver may thenapproach the correct trailer, use Bluetooth (or similar short or nearfield communication or SMS communication) to connect to the trailercontroller and transmit the unique code to thereby unlock cap of thattrailer. Thus, a dispatcher is able to control access to the trailersand prevent theft. Further embodiments are set forth in more detailbelow with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a prior art connection and cap.

FIG. 2 is a side cutaway view of an embodiment of the present systemwith the cap in the open position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present system withthe cap in the open position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present system withthe cap in the open position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present system withthe cap in the closed position.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present system.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present systemdepicting the relationship between the cap and the controller housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the present system are described with reference tothe drawings below. In the drawings, like numbers are used to refer tolike elements. Unless otherwise stated, “and” is conjunctive, while “or”is disjunctive and conjunctive such that the condition “A or B” issatisfied by any of “A” alone, “B” alone, and “A and B” together.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of a conventional, prior art tractor trailerconnection. It includes an electrical box 100, a face plate 101, and acap 102 covering the connection port (not shown). To connect a cab tothe trailer, a driver simply lifts the cap 102 and plugs in the cab'sconnection cable.

The present system utilizes the conventional electrical box 100. Thefaceplate may be conventional or further adapted to accommodatediffering embodiments of the present system. The present system utilizesa novel a locking cap. In one embodiment, electrical box 100 houses acontrol system that operates a locking mechanism within the cap. Inanother embodiment, the control system is located elsewhere on thetrailer, such as inside the trailer cargo compartment, or in a separatehousing attached externally to the trailer, such as on the roof or uppercorner of the trailer so as to be not readily accessible by a humanwithout use of, for example, a ladder or lift.

The control system includes a controller which may include a receiver,transmitter, or transceiver to send and receive data signals. Forexample, the controller may include a GSM or GPRS circuit for wirelesscommunications. The controller may be a microcomputer having aprocessor, memory, inputs, and outputs. The controller may furtherinclude a power supply, such as a battery. In one embodiment, thecontroller may be connected to a renewable energy source, such as asolar panel or wind turbine that may be used to charge, or maintaincharge for, the battery. One example of a suitable controller is theATMEGA 2560, along with a SIM900A GSM GPRS Board, available fromMicrochip® 2355 West Chandler Blvd. Chandler, Ariz. 85224-6199.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the present system further includes a cap 200.The cap may be connected to a faceplate 213 by, for example, aspring-biased pivot arm 218. The cap may be comprised of two segments(which may be formed integrally or formed of separate pieces that areconnected together), a flap 201 that corresponds and covers the trailerconnection plug(s) 219 and corresponding connection plug housing 220(which is the traditional cavity and housing containing one or moreconnections, e.g. the 7 ways of the trailer) and a cover 202. The capmay be opened, as in FIGS. 2-3, to provide access to the 7-ways, or maybe closed, as in FIG. 5, to close off access to the 7-ways.

In one embodiment the cover is connected to the flap using a pluralityof fasteners 209 such hex bolts or screws. In the embodiment depicted,in FIG. 2 the screws penetrate from the outside of the cover. However,in an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the fasteners 209 arepositioned on the inside of the flap, penetrate through the flap andinto the cover to provide additional deterrent by not allowing the coverto be removed from the flap while the cap is closed (as the screw headsare located within the cavity of the connection plug when the cap isclosed). The flap may also include a circumferential lip 211. The lip211 may either surround the connection plug rim 221 or fit within theconnection plug cavity 210 formed by the connection plug housing 220 toprevent a pry-bar from being slid between the flap and the connectionplug when the cap is closed.

The cap houses a lock 203. The lock may be a traditional tumbler andlocking arm. The lock may also include a traditional keyhole 400. Thus,in the event of a controller or actuator malfunction, the driver (orauthorized user) may utilize a traditional key to release the lock. Thecap also includes an actuator 204. For example, the actuator may be asolenoid or servo. When the controller activates the actuator, theactuator causes the lock to open or close depending on the controlsignal. The lock arm 205 engages with detent 300 (FIG. 3). The lock ishoused within the lock cavity 206 of the cap. When the cap is closed,the lock cavity 206 surrounds the detent 300. In one embodiment the lockcavity rim 207 is shaped such that it mates with the faceplate 101. Thatprevents a potential thief from having easy access to either the lock ordetent. It is further conceived that the actuator and lock may beintegrated together or be one-in-the-same. For example, in oneembodiment, a solenoid is utilized as the actuator, and the solenoidpiston is configured to function as the locking arm. When actuated, thesolenoid piston is moved into position such that the cap is restrainedfrom opening by, for example, detent 300.

The actuator is connected to the controller. In one embodiment, theactuator is connected to the controller by a cable 208. The cable allowsfor the controller to control the operation of the actuator. In analternate embodiment, the controller is connected to one or more of theconnections of the connection plug 210. In such an embodiment, theactuator is provided with a socket (not shown) that mates with one ormore of the connection plugs when the cap is closed. The controller maythen transmit signals to the actuator through the connection plug(s).

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the cap includes an electrical contact 212a. The electrical contact is connected to the actuator, such as by awire (not shown). Electrical connection cable 208 may be affixed to thefaceplate 213 and terminates in an electrical contact 212 b thatcorresponds to electrical contact 212 a such that the electricalcontacts mate and provide electrical communication between them when thecap 200 is in the closed position. The configuration of FIG. 4 ensuresthat the electrical connection (and cable 208) between the cap and thecontroller can be housed entirely within the trailer, and is notexposed. That prevents a would-be thief from cutting the electricalconnection cable 208. The embodiment of FIG. 4 further includes a guard214 that extends from faceplate 213. The guard includes a guard cavity215 that surrounds lock cavity rim 207 of the cap as well as theelectrical connection 212 a when the cap is closed and furtheraccommodates the end of electrical connection 212 b. Thus, when the cap200 is in the closed position, flap 201 seals against the rim 221 of theplug housing 220, lock cavity rim 207 of the cap is positioned withinthe guard cavity 215, and the electrical contact 212 a connects toelectrical contact 212 b within the guard cavity such that the lockcavity rim 207 and electrical connection 212 a are protected by theguard. In one embodiment, contacts 212 a and 212 b form a dataconnection for transmitting signals between the controller and theactuator. In another embodiment, the contacts 212 a and 212 b comprise asensor that is utilized by the controller to identify whether the cap isin an open position or closed position. To further protect the lock, thecap may include plate 216 positioned within lock cavity 206. The plate216 partially closes the lock cavity 206, while still providing anopening to accommodate detent 300. The plate 216 may be secured to thecap by fastener 217. In one embodiment the fastener 217 is a screw thatallows for the attachment and removal of the plate 216 to allow accessto the lock 203 in the event that the lock requires servicing. The guard214 may extend far enough so that the fastener 217 is obscured by theguard when the cap is in the closed position.

The controller allows for communication with external devices. Forexample, in one embodiment, the controller is configured to transmit andreceive data by SMS message. Data, such as instructions to open, isreceived by the controller and processed. The controller then activatesthe actuator to open the lock. The message may be generated by adispatcher utilizing a dispatcher controller, such as a personalcomputer. The personal computer may have access to a database, such as alocally stored database on the computer or a cloud based database storedon one or more servers. The database may include information regardingtrailers equipped with the caps and controllers of the present system.For example, the database may include identification informationallowing the dispatcher to particularly identify individual trailers orcorresponding controllers connected to the trailers. The database maycontain information about the location of the trailer, whether it hasbeen assigned to a job, identification information (such as a VIN orsimilar number), and identification of the controller for the cap (suchas a unique access code). To unlock a cap, the the dispatcher selectsthe appropriate trailer (or cap controller) and selects an open commandwhich causes the dispatcher controller/computer to transmit the commandto the trailer, such as through an internet connection and wi-fi link,or through the use of a cell tower. Alternatively, the dispatcher cancause the dispatcher controller to transmit a unique access code to atruck driver, such as by sending it to a mobile device of the driver whomay then utilize, for example, Bluetooth connectivity to transmit thecommand to the controller. In another embodiment, the cap is providedwith a QR code. The driver scans the QR code with a mobile device, suchas a mobile phone, which then transmits data regarding the trailer tothe dispatcher. The dispatch controller may then transmit a signal tothe controller 501, and in response to receiving the signal from thedispatch controller, the controller 501 can issue a command to theactuator to open the cap. Using GPS, cell tower triangulation, orsimilar positional techniques, the controller may communicate with thedispatcher controller to provide positional information and allow thedispatcher to determine the location of the associated trailer. Thatallows the dispatcher to know where trailers are located and selectivelyunlock trailers for drivers.

A block diagram in FIG. 6 depicts the general arrangement of the system.The font face of a tractor trailer is depicted generally as 104. Ahousing 500 may be mounted to the trailer. In one embodiment the housingis within the interior cavity of the trailer, in another embodiment itis mounted to the exterior. The controller 501 is mounted within thehousing. The housing protects the controller from damage, such asvandalism or weather. The controller may include an antenna 502 forassisting in the receipt or transmission of data and control signals.The controller is electrically connected to the cap. For example, cable208 connects the controller and cap. In one embodiment, the cable 208 isrouted on the interior of the trailer cavity to protect it fromvandalism, tampering, or other damage.

The cap may also include anti-tamper sensors (not shown). For example,the cap may include a vibration sensor. In one embodiment, a portion ofthe sensor is included within the electrical box 100 and connected to asecond portion of the sensor located in the cap 200. Alternatively, thesensor could be housed within the cap and connected to the controller.Alternatively, the sensor may be housed within the electrical box 100and monitor the cap such that impact to the cap triggers the sensorwithin the electrical box. For example, upon impact to the cap orcontroller housing (e.g. electrical box), the sensor detects thevibrations from the impact and transmits a signal to the controller. Thecontroller includes executable code that is triggered by the receipt ofa signal from the sensor. The executable code, once triggered, may causethe controller to further trigger an alarm at the site of the trailer,such as a siren, or transmit a signal to the dispatcher (or driver app)with an alert that the cap is being tampered with. That will allow thedispatcher (or driver) to alert the authorities or go personally inspectthe trailer. For example, the controller may be adapted to monitor theelectrical connection between electrical contact 212 a and 212 b. In theevent that the electrical connection between electrical contact 212 aand 212 b is broken, the controller is adapted to transmit a signal tothe dispatch controller identifying the broken connection, such as bytransmitting a “cap open” signal. In the event that the dispatcher didnot authorize the opening of the cap, the receipt of a signalidentifying a broken connection signifies that the cap or trailer isbeing tampered with.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of an embodiment of the cap in connection with thecontroller within housing 500. As discussed, the housing may be locatedremotely from the cap, such as in an upper corner of a trailer. Thecontroller may be connected to the actuator and electrical contact 212 bby cable 208 and electrical signals may be transmitted between theactuator and electrical contact via the cable 208 to the controllerhoused within the controller housing 500.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of thepreferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such disclosure isnot intended to be limiting. Various alterations and modifications willbe readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it isintended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering allalterations and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cap security system comprising: a cap, anactuator, a lock, a controller connected to the actuator, wherein thecap comprises at least one cavity that accommodates the actuator and thelock; and wherein the cap includes a flap that is adapted to cover anelectrical connection port of a tractor trailer.
 2. A cap securitysystem as in claim 1, wherein the controller is connected to a dispatchcontroller, the dispatch controller is adapted to transmit one or moredata signals to the controller, and the controller is adapted to actuatethe actuator in response to the one or more data signals.
 3. A capsecurity system as in claim 2, wherein the controller is adapted totransmit positional information to the dispatch controller.
 4. A capsecurity system as in claim 3, further comprising a sensor connected tothe controller wherein the controller is adapted to transmit thepositional information to the dispatch controller upon receipt of asignal from the sensor.
 5. A cap security system as in claim 1 whereinthe controller is located remotely from the cap, but is in electricalcommunication with the actuator.
 6. A cap security system comprising: acap, a faceplate, and a controller, the cap comprising: a first segmentand a second segment that together form a lock cavity and a flap; a lockhaving a lock arm positioned within the lock cavity and an actuatorpositioned within the lock cavity such that the actuator is capable ofmoving a portion of the lock arm when the actuator is actuated; thefaceplate comprising: a connection plug housing forming a connectionplug cavity wherein the connection plug housing terminates in acircumferential rim; and a detent; wherein the cap is connected to thefaceplate such that the flap covers the connection plug cavity when thecap is in a closed and locked position and such that the connection plugcavity is exposed when the cap is in an open position; wherein the lockarm is configured to engage the detent when the cap is in the closed andlocked position; and wherein the controller and the actuator are inelectrical communication when the cap is in the closed and lockedposition.
 7. The cap security system of claim 6 wherein the firstsegment and second segment are secured together by one or more fastenerssuch that the one or more fasteners penetrate through the second segmentand connect to the first segment and the one or more fasteners areinaccessible when the cap is in the closed and locked position.
 8. Thecap security system of claim 6 wherein, when the cap is in the closedand locked position, the lock arm engages the detent.
 9. The capsecurity system of claim 6 further comprising: a guard extending fromthe faceplate, the guard defining a guard cavity; a first electricalconnection attached to the cap; a second electrical connectionpositioned within the guard cavity, wherein the lock cavity includes anopening defined by a lock cavity rim.
 10. The cap security system ofclaim 9 wherein the lock cavity rim is positioned within the guardcavity when the cap is in a closed and locked position.
 11. The capsecurity system of claim 9 wherein the first electrical connection andthe second electrical connection are in electrical communication whenthe cap is in a closed and locked position.
 12. The cap security systemof claim 6 wherein the lock includes a keyhole that is accessible whenthe cap is in a closed and locked position.
 13. The cap security systemof claim 6 wherein the lock cavity includes an opening defined by a lockcavity rim and further comprising a plate positioned proximally to thelock cavity rim and at least partly within the lock cavity such that theplate covers at least a portion of the lock cavity.
 14. The cap securitysystem of claim 9 further comprising a plate positioned proximally tothe lock cavity rim and at least partly within the lock cavity such thatthe plate covers at least a portion of the lock cavity; wherein theplate is secured to the cap by at least one fastener; and wherein the atleast one fastener is positioned within the guard cavity when the cap isin the closed and locked position.